Seeing the best side of people

Seeing the best side of people By Carole Kuzian

The Mets. The Devils. Stub Hub gift cards. Special Olympics soccer and basketball. And, of course, the rock band Kiss.

Riding onto the ice on a zamboni at at NJ Devils game.

These are just a few of Joseph’s interests. He loves any type of musical or sporting event on a grand scale. Thanks to GiGi’s Playhouse, Joseph recently had the experience of a lifetime at a NJ Devils game outing. There, he was greeted by the Devils Coach, John Hynes.  Also, he not only got to meet his hero, Adam Henrique, but he also got to ride the Zamboni!  It was the experience of a lifetime!

I can’t say enough how thankful we are for GiGi’s, and what a great job Erin Morris (GiGi’s Hillsborough President) has done of uniting and solidifying the Down syndrome community in our town.  Prior to GiGi’s, the Hillsborough area did not have a unified Down syndrome community.  The closest parent groups are at least 25 minutes away, and as a working parent, meeting attendance on a weeknight is very difficult.  Plus the parent groups are wonderful and very helpful, but in general they are parent-focused and most events are parent meetings which do not include the kids.  Now, our family routinely interacts with other families who have members with Down syndrome.

Joseph and his family- sister Alexandra, mom Carole and dad John.

Joseph is now 14 years old, and like any teenage boy, he longs to do more things on his own. GiGi’s has given us a way to fulfill Joseph’s growing need for independence. He loves the Teentastic program because he can be dropped off to hang out with his friends on a Friday night. He has come such a long way since his first Teentastic when he wouldn’t even go in. Thankfully, Jack Morris (Erin’s son), who attends our district school with Joseph, came out to ease his anxiety and welcome him in.  Joesph also enjoys cooking club, which has the added benefit of encouraging him to try new foods.

I have seen how GiGi’s has helped in in so many ways, mostly by how it has expanded his social circle dramatically.  Joseph has been in class at school with many of the same students since he was three years old. But at GiGi’s, Joseph gets to see new faces all the time and form new friendships and bonds.

When you have a child with Down syndrome, you constantly see the best side of people….

I have found that at GiGi’s and in the world in general, people are kind. Having a child with Down syndrome presents many challenges. But something people may not realize–when you have a child like Joseph, you constantly see the best side of people.  I have seen a side of our community in general that I never would have seen without Joseph.  Some people don’t get to witness that, but I have.  Joseph is open, friendly and approachable, and people really go out of their way to show him kindness and compassion.

Joseph and Alexandra with Adam Henrique.

Gigi’s has also been a great place for Joseph’s sister, Alexandra (who is typical) because it has enabled her to interact with others who have siblings with Down syndrome.  She loves her brother, but sometimes feels like she is the only one who has a sibling with DS.

I know how lucky we are to have GiGi’s here. It has caused a ripple effect of positive outcomes for Joseph and everyone in our family.